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Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino gave his stamp of approval to convert the Botika sa Barangays in Bolo, Loctugan, Libas, Dayao and Dumolog into health stations so they can better serve the residents.

Earlier, the Department of Health discouraged the operations of the 'Botika' because they lacked pharmacies and medicine given out as dole outs.

Pharmacist l Lea Baarde said the Botika sa Barangays were closed in December 2014after typhoon Yolanda destroyed some of them but these can be converted to actual pharmacies if someone applies a license for them.

Once converted into barangay health stations, they will carry essential medicines like those for fever and stomach problems and medical equipment from DOH. Patients can also consult with deputized health workers.

Health has been one of Mayor Celino's priority agenda in line with his program HOPE . Early on in his term, he provided help to dengue patients by distributing 5,000 mosquito nets, initiating the cleanup in schools and de-clogging of drainage in line with his intensified campaign "Oplan Patay Lamok."

He also put up a 34-Hour Crisis management Center.

From August 9 to 31, 2010, the City paid P825,454.64 to dengue patients directly paid to hospitals and other government agencies.

As a result, the number of dengue victims has since gone down from "alarming" to "manageable."

The mayor considers his successful drive against dengue one of his "legacies" in the health sector.